Scott spent much of his childhood in Kepler’s, trying to find the ever-elusive “perfect book.” Now, after a brief stint as a would-be historian, he’s happy to help other people find it instead! He’ll read anything by Tamora Pierce, N. K. Jemisin, or Mary Beard, but isn’t picky when it comes to fantasy or science-fiction–the more the better! When not hiding out with a book he can be found playing D&D or baking.
This is the story of Murderbot, a part-human, part-machine security construct who hacks its own controls and needs to figure out what to do with its newfound autonomy. Turns out, it mostly wants to watch TV and avoid doing its job. All Systems Red is a great sci-fi action adventure, a deep character study, and a wonderful depiction of what it feels like to deal with anxiety. ~Scott
An insightful examination of how democratic governments around the world have declined over time. Originally reacting to the 2016 presidential election, the observations made by Ziblatt and Levitsky have only become more relevant in recent years. But it’s not all doom and gloom–the core message is always that we can fix this if we pay attention and act with intention. ~Scott
Mary Beard’s writing is at once academic and humorous, simultaneously deeply engaged with the past and interested in how ancient history affects the present. She paints a vivid picture of ancient Rome, its rise and fall, triumphs and failures. And in doing so, she introduces us to people, places, and ideas that have shaped our modern world in ways both great and small. ~Scott
In the fantasy world of Tortall, only men can train as knights. But one of the new knights-in-training, Alan, has a secret–she’s actually a girl named Alanna, and she will have to fight to earn her place amongst her peers and keep her identity a secret. I grew up reading Pierce’s novels, and The First Adventure is her at her best: a charismatic, impactful coming-of-age story with plenty of fantasy action that doesn’t shy away from challenging inequality and discrimination in all its forms. ~Scott
Romeo and Juliet meets Star Wars, with an extra helping of grittiness and emotional turmoil. Saga tells the story of brand-new parents Marco and Alana, fugitives from their respective nations on account of their forbidden relationship. With hunters on their tail, the pair must discover how to survive, raise their daughter, and protect one another in a galaxy that wants nothing more than to bury them–and their fragile family–forever. ~Scott
Sci-fi at its best! Thoughtful, charming, and wildly imaginative, A Psalm For the Wild-Built asks us what it means to have purpose in life, and shows us a path towards finding the wonder in simply being. With engaging characters, a fascinating solarpunk world, and a beautiful story to tell, this is a book you won’t want to miss. ~Scott